Thursday 4th June

Thursday, 4 June 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. The Merlin Mk4 came down during a training exercise near Okehampton in the early hours of yesterday morning. Military investigators are working to establish the cause of the crash, while tributes continue to be paid to those who lost their lives.

The West of England, including parts of Somerset, are unlikely to see driverless taxis on the roads any time soon, despite the government launching a pilot scheme that could pave the way for automated vehicles across the country. The West of England Combined Authority will have the final say on whether they are introduced locally with Metro Mayor, Helen Godwin, indicating she's not in favour, saying her priority is improving public transport rather than focusing on driverless cars.

Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. Freedom Leisure, which already runs Goldenstones in Yeovil, is taking over from Fusion Leisure after the company entered administration. The move means leisure centres in Frome, Wells, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet will remain open, safeguarding jobs and services.

Somerset council has outlined the next steps in improving support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. A new SEND Reform Plan aims to help schools, colleges and early years providers offer support earlier and create a more inclusive system. If approved by the Department for Education, up to ninety per cent of Somerset's historic SEND funding deficit could be written off.

The new live-action Masters of the Universe film is released this week. Much of the production was filmed at Wells Cathedral, with Somerset-born actor James Purefoy staring in the role of King Randor, the father of He-Man.

More from News

Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more
Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more
Friday 29th May

South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more
Wednesday 27th May

The UK Health Security Agency has increased its heat health alert for Somerset to amber. Trading Standards officers have shut down three shops in Taunton after illegal cigarettes and vapes were discovered on the premises. Bridgwater Town Council is considering running its own bus services...and more
Tuesday 26th May

A Martock agricultural machinery business has gone into administration, putting around thirty jobs at risk. A new sensory room has opened at a Yeovil schook to support neurodiverse pupils. The headteacher of a Chard primary school is stepping down... and more
Friday 22nd May

The National Farmers Union in Somerset has welcomed the government’s new trade deal with six Gulf countries. Campaigners say Somerset’s canals and locks are in urgent need new investment. The Liverpool comedian John Bishop is heading to Somerset later this year...and more